President John Mahama
President John Dramani Mahama has sworn into office eleven new Ghanaian envoys to represent the country in missions abroad, as part of his government’s commitment to strengthening international relations and advancing Ghana’s foreign policy agenda.
The swearing-in ceremony, held in Accra yesterday, followed the granting of approval by host nations throughout September 2025. Each envoy received presidential instruments of commission, officially empowering them to assume their duties in their respective posts.
All the appointees are non-career diplomats drawn from varied professional backgrounds. Among those commissioned were Kwesi Ahwoi, named Ambassador to the Republic of Serbia; Kojo Choi, Ambassador to South Korea; Captain (Rtd.) George Kofi Nfojoh, High Commissioner to Togo; Prof. Dora Francisca Edu-Buandoh, High Commissioner to Canada; Alhaji Abdul-Rahman Harruna Attah, High Commissioner to Namibia; Dr. Kwame Ampofo, Ambassador to Hungary; Benjamin Anani Quashie, High Commissioner to South Africa; Magnus Kofi Amoatey, Ambassador to the Republic of Congo; Benedict Batabe Assorow, Ambassador to the Holy See (Vatican); Prof. Esi Awuah, Ambassador to Switzerland; and Mohammed Abubakari Manaf, Ambassador to Benin.
President Mahama charged the diplomats to project Ghana’s image as a stable democracy and a credible partner for trade, investment, and sustainable development.
He emphasised that their work should not only strengthen bilateral relations but also promote the welfare of Ghanaians abroad.
Addressing the envoys before their departure, the President used the platform to caution Ghanaians against overstaying their visas in the United States.
He explained that visa restrictions recently imposed by the Trump administration had stemmed largely from Ghanaian nationals overstaying their permits, particularly students and members of official delegations.
“Many of you are aware that Ghana became the only country subject to U.S. visa restrictions to secure a complete reversal from the Trump administration. Let me state clearly that this outcome was negotiated in Ghana’s best interest,” President Mahama said.
He noted that assurances were given to U.S. authorities that Ghana would work to reduce the number of overstayers.
“I mean, these are people who go and instead of coming back, they decide to stay. And so, they have the record. So, when they draw the threshold and you’re above it, then they cancel your five-year visas and bring you to B-5, B-3. So those of you applying for visas, please, when you go, come back. Because you affect everybody else,” he cautioned.
He further explained that there was no financial arrangement as part of Ghana’s negotiations with Washington. Instead, talks are continuing on U.S. trade tariffs and the renewal of the African Growth and Opportunity Act (AGOA), which previously provided African nations with tariff-free access to American markets.
Touching on the deportation of some West African nationals to Ghana, the President stressed that the country would not accept individuals who compromise national security. “I wish to assure my countrymen and women that our understanding with the U.S. does not undermine our sovereignty, security, or stability. Ghana will not, and I repeat, will not become a dumping ground for deportees, nor will we accept individuals with criminal backgrounds,” he declared.
By Ernest Kofi Adu